By: Robert Spuhler

Every day is a good day for Malibu surfing. That shouldn’t be a surprise: on average, the town gets greater than 280 days of sunshine each year, and the temperature stays remarkably consistent, with highs only jumping between a temperate 66 degrees in February and a warm-but-not-boiling 88 degrees in August.

But there’s something that just feels different about bringing that long or short board into the Pacific Ocean in the fall. The Malibu waves are varied, the weather is perfect, and the lineups are just a bit shorter. 

Why is fall the best time to experience a locals-style surfing retreat at Malibu Beach Inn? Here’s the rundown.

Two Malibu surfing enthusiasts coming out of the water holding surfboards.
Photo by Zoran Zeremski via Envato

Something for Everyone

Generally speaking, the summer is great for calmer waves, with the winter drawing larger swells. But just as the fall can be seen as a transition from the heat of August to the cold of December, the water is transitioning too, meaning that there is a wider variety of conditions during the season. Beaches like Topanga still feature great beginner conditions, while the waters off of Nicholas Canyon Beach (Point Zero, to locals) are ready to welcome the more experienced cohort. There’s no question of where to surf in Malibu in the fall – it’s everywhere!

Malibu isn’t just a surf town—it’s the birthplace of modern longboarding, and its storied breaks like First Point have inspired generations of wave riders from around the world.

The Water’s Fine…Maybe Finest?

Before there are waves, there is water, and the water quality in the fall is near its peak. The warmer waters of the summer linger deep into the season. No need for the thickest wetsuits during fall (though November can require a light covering – always check the Malibu surf report from local favorite Mo in the Morning): it takes a long time to cool off a body of water as big as the Pacific Ocean! 

In addition, the water is usually at its cleanest, after what is normally a dry, and therefore runoff-free, summer. Early risers will tell you there’s nothing like a dawn patrol at Surfrider Beach, when the first light hits the breaks just right and the only sounds are the waves and the gulls. 

Space to Play

While fall is still busy in town, the crowds along the beaches tend to be thinner, meaning that there’s more room for Malibu surfing. Lineups for bigger waves are smaller, and rookies taking their first lessons can feel more comfortable knowing they’re less likely to get sideswiped by someone else in the water (or that, if they accidentally send their board flying, it’s less likely to hit anyone else). For those new to the scene, Malibu Surf Shack and Becker Surfboards are local favorites for rentals and gear.

Three people enjoying Malibu surfing by the Pier.
Photo by One Inch Punch Photos via Envato

The consistently pleasant climate of Malibu makes any season the right one for a surf vacation along the Pacific Ocean. And with its oceanside location and proximity to some of the world’s best waves, Malibu Beach Inn is the perfect home base for a longboard adventure. Right in our backyard rests the shores of Carbon Beach. In between catching waves, be sure to stretch out on one of the iconic striped sun loungers and umbrellas, complete with full food and beverage service. 

After a morning in the surf, return to your oceanfront room and watch the same waves roll in from your private balcony—a quintessential Malibu experience that blends adventure and tranquility in perfect balance. Whether you’re planning your first surf trip or returning for another wave-filled getaway, autumn brings the best of both worlds with warm water and few crowds. Fall may be the season that Malibu surfing is at its peak.

Featured Photo by WaveBreakMedia via Envato